June 17, 2026, 79, Goldsboro – Alice Grace Kay, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on August 13, 1946, and went to be with the Lord on June 17, 2026.
Alice was truly the heart and soul of her family. She was the rock everyone leaned on and the glue that held our large, crazy family together. Her love, strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Alice made sure the family came together at her home for every holiday and served as the heart of every gathering.
Alice was preceded in death by her beloved lifelong partner of 40+ years, Tony Ary, affectionately known to the family as “Grandpop.” She was also preceded in death by her mother, Esther Gladfelter; her father, Richard Schemelia Sr.; her brother, John Schemelia (“Shilo”); her sisters, Lorraine Rice and Eugenia Daniels; her brother, George Bell Jr.; and her daughter-in-law, Joann Kay.
She leaves behind her four loving children: Ronald Kay Jr., Betty Kay, John Kay, and Tammy Kay.
Alice was a proud grandmother to Michael Kay, Tiffany Kay, Ronald Kay III, Jessey Slater, Edward Davis Jr., Susan Kay, Melissa Davis, Tami Davis, Tatyana Gonzalez, Zachary Davis Sr., Edwin Burgos Jr., Brandy Kay, Taina Burgos, and Brett Ryan. She was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.
She is survived by her sisters Helen Fenimore, Carol Marsh, and Laura Harris, as well as her brother Richard Schemelia. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss her deeply.
Alice found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Two of her favorite places in the world were the beach and the casino, where she enjoyed spending time with family and making memories that will be cherished forever. She loved gathering with family, sharing stories, and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and acceptance.
Her greatest accomplishment was her family. The legacy she leaves behind is one of love, resilience, generosity, and devotion. Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.
Alice’s memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly.
“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
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